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Boxing

Joe Smith Jr. calls for Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez fight - 'I'll be ready for anybody'

Alexander Netherton
Joe Smith Jr. calls for Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez fight - 'I'll be ready for anybody'Showtime
The light heavyweight champion wants to fight the undisputed Mexican.

Joe Smith Jr. called for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez for his next fight after defeating Steve Geffrard on Saturday night.

The 32-year-old American made his first defence of his WBO light heavyweight belt by defeating his compatriot with a ninth round stoppage in New York.

Smith Jr. has previously discussed his wish for a ‘payday’ from Canelo, as well as fights with fellow light heavyweights Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

Speaking after the win, Smith Jr. said he was keen to get back to training so he could make a fist of a Canelo challenge.

"I want to get back in the gym, work on my craft, and like I say each and every time I get in the ring, I'm going to get better and better," he said. "I believe the next time you see me, I'll be ready for anybody.

"If Canelo wants to come and fight me, I'm ready for him. That's the fight I want. Everybody would love to see that fight - it would be a big deal."

Canelo is currently scheduled to move up from super middleweight to cruiserweight in order to fight fellow WBC champion, Ilunga Makabu, but doubts have been expressed whether he will indeed make the leap.

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